Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By AMAC Certified Social Security Advisor Russell Gloor, Association of Mature American Citizens

Dear Rusty: If a financially well-off individual had multiple ex-spouses, could it happen that the multiple ex-spouses could each be collecting Social Security based on their own financial situation as compared to their rich ex-spouses? Thus, multiple payouts by Social Security? Just curious, because there are probably many people in this situation as a result of the ever-increasing number of people involved in multiple marriages that each lasted more than 10 years. Signed: Curious Ex-Spouse

Dear Curious Ex-Spouse: A former spouse can only collect one Social Security benefit – either their own Social Security retirement amount, or an amount as an ex-spouse if the marriage lasted 10 years or more. And it is possible for multiple ex-spouses of a marriage to the same person to qualify for benefits from those unions, if each marriage lasted at least 10 years. But each ex-spouse can only qualify for one benefit payment – either their own earned Social Security benefit, or their benefit as an ex-spouse. In other words, someone with two (or more) ex-spouses might have their exes collecting full benefits on their record, provided that each marriage lasted at least 10 years. But an ex-spouse can only get one benefit – their own Social Security retirement amount or an ex-spouse amount – whichever is higher.

It’s possible, also, that an ex-spouse can collect benefits from a former spouse at the same time as a current spouse is also collecting spouse benefits on the same record. And there is no detriment to either’s amount because multiple spouses or ex-spouses are collecting on a one person’s Social Security record (Social Security is, after all, a means for spouses, or ex-spouses, to avoid poverty). However, an ex-spouse’s own Social Security retirement benefit (from their personal lifetime work record) must be less than any ex-spouse benefit they are entitled to from a former spouse. Essentially, if the “10-years-married” rule is satisfied, ex-spouses are subject to the same benefit rules as a current spouse.

You are correct that we see some cases like this these days, but each eligible ex-spouse can only get one benefit, and their ex-spouse benefit is always offset by any personal Social Security retirement benefit the ex-spouse may also be entitled to on their own lifetime work record.

READ ABOUT NEWS AND EVENTS HERE.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE COASTLAND TIMES TODAY!